One could watch Age of Innocence with the volume off and still be amazed. As in all his films, Scorcese uses his camera to paint a portrait of the space and condition that his characters move in. The fluid camera movement shows the audience the beautiful rooms and costumes of the late 19th century New York society. Scorcese also pays close attention to the mechanics of the society; we can watch the meat being carved and the cigars being clipped and lit. Just as in Goodfellas, we watch how the mob works from the inside, Age of Innocence lets us watch the inner workings of this scoiety. Of course there are the stylistic techniques that Scorcese is famous for. The way he darkens part of the screen and focuses on Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer in one scene at the opera is further proof of his genuis as a film maker. Visual excellence combined with great performances and an interesting narrative makes Age of Innocence a must see for anyone interested in great films.
Review of The Age of Innocence
